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World Index

Portugal is situated at the south-west point of Europe, bordered with Spain and also includes the Madeira and Azores archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. The country as a whole is one of contrast, from the cosmopolitan resorts in the south to the relative unspoiled and often undeveloped parts of the countryside comprising small town and villages where the pace and style of living has remained unchanged for many years.

Poland is situated at the southern end of the Baltic Sea. A country which has often been at the centre of military invasions and war, Poland still suffers extreme deprivation in some areas although is now beginning to improve. Coal was the main industry although manufacture of goods for the European market is now more predominant.

Moscow, the country's capital city, is the major economic and political centre. Although part of the European Union, Russia is still considered a part of the Asian subcontinent. Both Moscow and St. Petersburg boast some fantastic architecture, with historic and interesting buildings at every turn.

Spain has a rich history. Bordered by the snow capped Pyrenees in the east to the sunny beaches in the south, Spain is the second largest country in the EU. As well as the mainland, territory includes two island archipelagos, The Balearics and the Canaries, and two enclaves on the North African coast, Ceuta and Melilla.

Switzerland is a landlocked country packed with breathtaking scenery. Its major exports are cheese and chocolate, both said to be some of the finest in the world. Traditionally Switzerland has been a producer of fine watch movements and is now possibly most famous for its fine skiing resorts, frequented by the rich and famous.

China is part of East Asia and is situated between North Korea and Vietnam, and is the world's fourth-largest country in total area. With a history stretching back over 4000 years, ancient momuments are many, from the Great Wall of China to The Grand Canal.

Japan is a country of many islands along the Pacific coast of Asia.
Much of the terrain is either mountainous or dense forest, so most inhabited areas tend to be in coastal regions.

Being a country that is difficult to farm, Japan has to rely heavily on import for food but has an excellent export market, being the home to many manufacturing giants, exporting electronics, motor vehicles as well as chemicals.

Situated in the Indian Ocean in south-central Asia, Sri Lanka was first populated by the Sinhalese people from north India. Known formerly as Ceylon, the Islands declared independence in 1948 and subsequently changed its name to Sri Lanka in 1972. The economy of the country is very much tourism based. Its attractions include the beautiful sandy beaches and the stunning mountain regions.